Effects of the Feudal System on the Society in the Middle Ages

Basically, these lord had authority over majority of the things in the society like land, peasants, soldiers, crops and animals. In short, the lord of the feudal system owned everything in the land including the land itself. They believed they were chosen by God to rule and no one could stop them. The manor was the center of life which was ruled by the local lord where people would gather during celebrations or when the enemies attacked them. Their chief leaders included the King, Bishops, Barons and nobles. The lords had no time to investigate if you had made a mistake or not. They decided your punishment immediately. So, if you had just brushed shoulders with a soldier or a leader you could be reported for committing a crime you had not done, and receive a severe punishment from the lord.

In the feudal system, there was no justice as people were perceived as more of slaves than the citizens. They had no right to say anything and just uttering a word against a leader would result in severe consequences including expulsion from the community. They concentrated much on political governance rather than spiritual leadership. Feudalism led to the emergence of different social classes, that is, the poor and the rich or the rulers and the ruled. The lord owned the land, villages and all the property. Those appointed to become leaders accumulated wealth within a short time frame while those who worked genuinely like the subjects remained poor all the way. The leaders acquired their wealth unjustly by harassing the peasants and taking all the little they had gathered for themselves.

Therefore, it's quite evident that the peasants were really restricted from improving their economic state. War outbreaks in the feudal land were quite frequent. This is because in the entire Europe, there were many feudal systems which caused clashes with each other. These internal wars led to disunity and reduced the general political stability of Europe. It led to the defeat of Europe by other territories during the middle age period. Kottenkamp, Franz. The history of chivalry and armor: with descriptions of the feudal system, the practices of knighthood, the tournament, and trials by single combat. Crown Pub, 19884. This was possible because people from the family dynasty inherited the kingship. Some lacked leadership skills and hence contributed to wars and mismanagement of society properties for personal interests, which eventually led to the collapse of the feudal system.